Asana for your child: the benefits of teaching children yoga and meditation

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The idea that children live carefree lives in a world of play and fun is as old and common as it is wrong and far from reality. Stress, anxiety and fear are feelings that also affect children, all the more so if the adults that are close to them are stressed and anxious. Meditation is an excellent way of teaching the youngest children how to manage complex inner situations and states and how to create a space of inner tranquility, allowing them to achieve the widespread wellbeing that children are generally associated with. And the benefits of yoga and meditation for children also go far beyond this.

Experience calm

The first feeling experienced by those who approach the practices of self-awareness is a perception of a strong and generalized feeling of calm and tranquility. It is the result of concentration on the present moment, of remaining focused on a single thought. This fundamental element that unites yoga and meditation is of particular benefit to the little ones, who can get rid of everything that frightens or worries them discovering relaxation and peace.

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Meditation helps to improve a child’s concentration

As has been pointed out by several studies and schools that have integrated them into their training project, meditation techniques help children to increase concentration and memory levels. The child's organisational and planning skills are also being developed, with the best results at school and in sports performance. Yoga, martial arts and all activities that require a very high level of awareness of one's movements are particularly effective in this case.

Getting to know yourself and your body

It is never too early to become aware of yourself, especially if it is only necessary to do so with very simple activities and natural gestures. Beginning to build a strong relationship with oneself as children can only be positive. And it is precisely the awareness of oneself and one's body that is one of the most precious inheritances that meditation leaves to those who practice or have practiced it. Focusing on the breath or rhythm of the heartbeat allows you to get in touch with yourself, strengthening the mind-body connection. This has also proved to be important for the development of a balanced and responsible personality: children who practice meditation, as well as developing concentration and the ability to manage their inner states, learn patience and empathy, the ability to make decisions with care and the importance of help.

An activity to do together

Although it may seem obvious, this time it is not a false myth: children follow the example of adults. In order to awaken their curiosity and bring them closer to meditation, it is essential that adults first of all know the techniques and benefits of meditation. Once you have found a way to capture the child's interest, it is essential to guide him/her in the execution. We must keep in mind that it is always with a child that we are dealing with: imagination and will power cannot be lacking. For all these reasons, meditation and yoga can strengthen the relationship between adults and children, giving them a moment to spend together, making a common activity of great value for you both.

Child-friendly meditation techniques

For some people, imagine children, maybe very young, sitting in silence and concentrating on themselves for a long period of time could seem almost like science fiction. And in fact, it is rare for a child not to be distracted by what surrounds him or at least not to suffer the boredom of a static and monotonous situation. But who said that, in order to meditate, we must remain firm? On the contrary, meditation can be perfectly adapted to children's needs: you can meditate by colouring, for example, or shaping clay. But also running, jumping and dancing are not prohibited activities. On the contrary, they are perfect gestures for a meditation that is really child-friendly.

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